Obama: "Outlandish Claims" About Health Care Bill Are "Simply Not True"
In this week's YouTube address, President Obama rebutted what he called "outlandish claims" that have been made against his health care plan:

"So, let me explain what reform will mean for you," said Obama. "And let me start by dispelling the outlandish claims that reform will promote euthanasia, cut Medicaid, or bring about a government takeover of health care. That's simply not true. This isn't about putting government in charge of your health insurance; it's about putting you in charge of your health insurance.

Virginia Gubernatorial Race Takes Center Stage In GOP Address
This weekend's Republican address was delivered by Bob McDonnell, the GOP nominee for Governor of Virginia. He delivered a standard conservative message, with a focus on how these issues affect his own state as well as the country at large:

"As I travel throughout Virginia, I listen to our people who are concerned about the jobs they have, worried about finding the jobs they need, and concerned about what jobs will be available for their kids in the years ahead," McDonnell said, later adding: "As Republicans, we believe you create jobs by keeping taxes and regulation low, and litigation at a minimum."

No Obama Events Today
President Obama does not have any public events scheduled for today. He will, however, be traveling tomorrow to Guadalajara, Mexico.

PhRMA To Spend Big In Favor Of Health Care Reform
The Associated Press reports that the pharmaceutical industry will spend $150 million this fall in favor of President Obama's health care plan -- which could go a long way in countering the opposition of conservative groups and the insurance industry. In this case, the industry and reformers have a common self-interest, in that wider coverage would also boost drug sales.

Sotomayor Sworn In On SCOTUS
Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in this morning as the newest Supreme Court Court Justice. She was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts, who said that Sotomayor could "begin work as associate justice without delay."

Secret Service Could Investigate "Death To All Marxists" Fax
The Secret Service is now looking into a fax that was sent to the office of Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA), which appeared to be a death threat against President Obama. The fact was of the infamous Obama/Joker picture that has been circulating among right-wing activists, with a message added: "Death to All Marxists! Foreign and Domestic!"

Hillary Tours South Africa
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton toured through South Africa today, visiting a Cape Town housing project she'd previously visited as First Lady in the 1990's. "This is what I really believe in," she said later in the day. "I mean, I have traveled literally all over the world and when people organize themselves and are given the tools and the training to really empower themselves and their future and build houses and communities, that's what's lasting."